What characterizes contiguous periods in a planning environment?

Contiguous periods in a planning environment are defined by the absence of any gaps between the periods within the same stratum. This means that every period follows sequentially from one to the next without any interruption, allowing for a smoother flow of data and analysis. When periods are contiguous, it ensures that all data entries are complete and that projections or reports can be made without concern for missing time frames or disjointed entries. This characteristic is essential for maintaining data integrity and ensuring accurate planning, as analyses typically require consistent time frames to draw reliable conclusions.

The concept of contiguous periods is vital in financial forecasting and operational planning, where decision-makers rely on having complete chronological datasets to identify trends, make comparisons, and create strategic plans.